Dear Evan Hansen at Pioneer Theatre Company is, without question, the most incredible production I have seen on this stage. This Utah premiere was executed to absolute perfection; every role was impeccably cast, and each actor delivered their performance with profound emotional depth and vibrant energy. The set, lighting, and visual elements seamlessly enhanced the storytelling, bringing the audience entirely into Evan’s world. Pioneer Theatre Company consistently delivers exceptional productions, and this show stands as a shining example of why their work is so deeply admired.
Evan Hansen has always felt like he’s on the outside looking in, his severe anxiety making it hard to connect. But when tragedy strikes his community, he unexpectedly finds himself at the heart of a growing misunderstanding—one that offers him a chance to reinvent himself. Dear Evan Hansen, winner of both Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical, is a deeply moving and timely coming-of-age story about vulnerability and the longing for connection.
Evan Hansen, played by Kyle Dalsimer, is the undeniable standout of the evening, not merely because he is the lead, but because of the astonishing emotional range he brings to the role. His portrayal is infused with genuine vulnerability, making Evan’s internal struggles feel painfully real and deeply relatable. Vocally, Dalsimer is phenomenal—his clear, crisp tone and masterful control over dynamics made every moment captivating. His performance of “Words Fail” was chilling, his breathy tone layered with raw emotion, leaving the audience in awe of his exceptional talent.
Heidi Hansen, portrayed by Donna Vivino, is another unforgettable highlight of this production. Vivino brings heartfelt authenticity to her character, achieving a remarkable balance of strength, vulnerability, and unwavering maternal love. Her emotional delivery resonated powerfully, evoking deep empathy from the audience. Her beautiful, resonant voice elevated her performance even further, showcasing her incredible vocal abilities and dramatic talent.
Jordan Briggs delivers a compelling performance as Connor Murphy, capturing both the harshness and hidden pain of his character with remarkable nuance. Early in the show, Briggs effectively portrays Connor’s anger and emotional repression, offering a gripping and layered performance. As the story progresses, he reveals new dimensions to the character, especially in “Sincerely, Me,” where he showcases both his impressive comedic timing and strong vocals. It was a pleasure to watch him command the stage with such intensity and range.
Elyse Bell as Zoe Murphy brings a stunning blend of emotional complexity and vocal power to the role. Zoe is a challenging character, and Bell’s portrayal highlights her layered emotions with remarkable authenticity. Her performance of “Requiem” was breathtaking; the bridge in particular showcased her exquisite vocal technique and emotional depth. She didn’t just sing the song—she transformed it, bringing new meaning to every lyric and leaving a lasting impression.
Larry Saperstein is comedic brilliance as Jared Kleinman, offering the perfect dose of humor amidst the show’s heavier themes. His timing is impeccable, landing every joke with precision while adding depth during scenes of tension and frustration. Saperstein’s portrayal feels effortless and genuine, making every moment he appears on stage thoroughly enjoyable. Watching him light up the PTC stage was truly a highlight of the production.
The set design by Bruce Cutler was absolutely stunning and integral to the storytelling. The multi-level design brilliantly separated the various worlds of the characters—the Hansen home, the Murphy residence, and the school—creating a visual clarity that enhanced the narrative. The creative use of lighting to show characters texting or emailing, with the glow of their devices illuminating their faces, was both visually striking and thematically impactful. The moving screens depicting the virtual community were a brilliant addition, adding a modern, immersive layer to the production.
Director Karen Azenberg’s vision for this show deserves immense praise. Her thoughtful blocking choices brought out the emotional subtext of every scene, from the subtle positioning of characters to intentional moments where Connor faced away from the audience, adding depth to his internal conflict. It was evident that she deeply understood these characters and crafted each scene with purpose and precision. The direction elevated the performances and allowed the story to unfold with clarity and emotional resonance.
Evan Hansen, played by Kyle Dalsimer, is the undeniable standout of the evening, not merely because he is the lead, but because of the astonishing emotional range he brings to the role. His portrayal is infused with genuine vulnerability, making Evan’s internal struggles feel painfully real and deeply relatable. Vocally, Dalsimer is phenomenal—his clear, crisp tone and masterful control over dynamics made every moment captivating. His performance of “Words Fail” was chilling, his breathy tone layered with raw emotion, leaving the audience in awe of his exceptional talent.
Heidi Hansen, portrayed by Donna Vivino, is another unforgettable highlight of this production. Vivino brings heartfelt authenticity to her character, achieving a remarkable balance of strength, vulnerability, and unwavering maternal love. Her emotional delivery resonated powerfully, evoking deep empathy from the audience. Her beautiful, resonant voice elevated her performance even further, showcasing her incredible vocal abilities and dramatic talent.
Jordan Briggs delivers a compelling performance as Connor Murphy, capturing both the harshness and hidden pain of his character with remarkable nuance. Early in the show, Briggs effectively portrays Connor’s anger and emotional repression, offering a gripping and layered performance. As the story progresses, he reveals new dimensions to the character, especially in “Sincerely, Me,” where he showcases both his impressive comedic timing and strong vocals. It was a pleasure to watch him command the stage with such intensity and range.
Elyse Bell as Zoe Murphy brings a stunning blend of emotional complexity and vocal power to the role. Zoe is a challenging character, and Bell’s portrayal highlights her layered emotions with remarkable authenticity. Her performance of “Requiem” was breathtaking; the bridge in particular showcased her exquisite vocal technique and emotional depth. She didn’t just sing the song—she transformed it, bringing new meaning to every lyric and leaving a lasting impression.
Larry Saperstein is comedic brilliance as Jared Kleinman, offering the perfect dose of humor amidst the show’s heavier themes. His timing is impeccable, landing every joke with precision while adding depth during scenes of tension and frustration. Saperstein’s portrayal feels effortless and genuine, making every moment he appears on stage thoroughly enjoyable. Watching him light up the PTC stage was truly a highlight of the production.
The set design by Bruce Cutler was absolutely stunning and integral to the storytelling. The multi-level design brilliantly separated the various worlds of the characters—the Hansen home, the Murphy residence, and the school—creating a visual clarity that enhanced the narrative. The creative use of lighting to show characters texting or emailing, with the glow of their devices illuminating their faces, was both visually striking and thematically impactful. The moving screens depicting the virtual community were a brilliant addition, adding a modern, immersive layer to the production.
Director Karen Azenberg’s vision for this show deserves immense praise. Her thoughtful blocking choices brought out the emotional subtext of every scene, from the subtle positioning of characters to intentional moments where Connor faced away from the audience, adding depth to his internal conflict. It was evident that she deeply understood these characters and crafted each scene with purpose and precision. The direction elevated the performances and allowed the story to unfold with clarity and emotional resonance.
Larry Saperstein, Kyle Dalsimer, and Khadija E. Sankoh | Credit: BW Productions
In conclusion, this production of Dear Evan Hansen is nothing short of extraordinary. Every single cast and creative team member contributed to an unforgettable theatrical experience that exemplifies the very best of Pioneer Theatre Company. The performances, design, and direction combined to create a production that is both emotionally powerful and artistically brilliant. If you have the opportunity to see this show, do not miss it—PTC has once again proven why it is a leader in producing exceptional theatre.
In conclusion, this production of Dear Evan Hansen is nothing short of extraordinary. Every single cast and creative team member contributed to an unforgettable theatrical experience that exemplifies the very best of Pioneer Theatre Company. The performances, design, and direction combined to create a production that is both emotionally powerful and artistically brilliant. If you have the opportunity to see this show, do not miss it—PTC has once again proven why it is a leader in producing exceptional theatre.
